On a stormy Friday night in Ketchikan, the Kayhi Kings defeated the Juneau-Douglas High School Crimson Bears 61-56 in Region V boys basketball action.
JDHS Coach Robert Casperson saw the forecast for the game Friday, but his team was powerless to push through the constant pressure from a persistent Kayhi defense.
“They are young, hungry, and athletic. We saw some film on them and tried to prepare for that in practice,” said Casperson.
Trailing 43-47 with 6:43 to go, the Kings outscored the Crimson Bears 18 to 9 in the closing minutes to seal the victory.
The Kings graduated their entire starting five from last season’s title contending team, but were able to avenge last year’s loss to the Crimson Bears in the semifinals of the state tournament.
Rising star sophomore Marcus Lee hit a three point shot at the buzzer to give the young Kings a first quarter lead 13 to 12. With a new found confidence, they applied full-court pressure most of the game.
When forced to play a half-court game, the Kings dropped back to defend against Juneau-Douglas’ twin towers of Bryce Swofford and Eric Kelley. The dynamic duo were held without a field goal the entire fourth quarter.
Kolby Hoover led the Bears with 10 points. Kasey Watts, Ulyxx Bohulano and Bryce Swofford had 8 points.
The two teams played again Saturday. Find coverage of that game at juneauempire.com. Kayhi then visits Juneau for games on Feb. 17 and 18.
